2016 Gulf Region Conference Information

Gulf Region Conference in Review

July 4, 2016

Dear Sisters,

WOW! What can I say, but "thank you" to the Gulf Region Conference Planning Committee, the Mississippi sisters and the Florida sisters, who came together and made sure that all responsibilities were covered. A special thank you goes to:

Kathy Burns, who shepherded the operation of this conference to its success.

Ruth Ann Allen, who arranged the Leadership Dinner at the beautiful Capitol Club and was assisted by Mary King and the MS Kappa Chapter.

Gretchen Waters, conference registrar and treasurer, who logged in all the information needed, deposited money and in some cases gave refunds.

Alice Ann Nilsen, choral director, and Audrey Pilafian, instrumental coordination, and all of the musicians for their outstanding performances.

The Mississippi National Guard Color Guard, who presented the colors at the Opening Session.

Jan Thomas, Gulf Region Chaplain, who gave the "Thought for the Day or the blessing at the business sessions and meal functions.

Yvette Keel, who typed p the Conference Action and sent to International Headquarters for posting on the Gulf Region website.

Diana LeBlanc, Gulf Region Sergeant-at-Arms who made sure all assistant sergeant-at-arms knew what to do and where to be.

The Florida Executive Board with the assistance of Sandra Butler, MS Xi, for the lovely reception given in honor of the IVP, regional executive board, International President and International Representatives and Little Wigs (sisters who used to be on International Chapter, but are no longer serving on International chapter).

Kay Wilson, Elaine Bridges, Marti Crawford, Cheryl Moore and Susan Lott, who provided transportation to and from the airport for our dignitaries.

Bob O'Lary who not only was the conference photographer, but also served as our technology coordinator.

Linda Thweatt and Ellen Lloyd who coordinated the state picture photo schedule.

Donna smith, who coordinated Ways and Means.

Kat Hamiter, MS President, for her creative and warm welcome to Mississippi.

And the 343 sisters who traveled to attend the conference.

How can we ever say "thank you enough to our wonderful Gulf Chorus under the direction of Alice Ann Nilsen and Gulf Musicians under the direction of Audrey Pilafian.

With sisterly love to all,

Debby

Dear Alpha Delta Kappa Sisters,

From the sandy beaches of Biloxi to the rolling green hills of Jackson, you will be greeted by the Southern charm and hospitality of our Mississippi sisters. Come and enjoy the comfortable accommodations and the spacious meeting rooms at the Jackson Marriott.

In addition to the leadership and fraternity education workshops provided by outstanding leaders in the Gulf Region and International Chapter, you will want to attend Audrey Pilafian's workshop entitled "Memorable Times with Agnes."

Audrey was a dear friend of Agnes' and she will highlight her friendship with Agnes on and off the stage. Our guest speaker will be Deborah Ford author of the GRITS books (Girls Raised in the South). You will not want to miss the Evening of Entertainment featuring our very own "Mary Margret" Smythe and the hilarious Ragger Roos. There may even be a surprise or two. The registration fee of $130 will be all-inclusive and will include the reception, regional luncheon, Evening of Entertainment, and banquet.

The Altruistic project will be the Ronald McDonald House, which is also Mississippi's altruistic project. The Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation will also be represented. Be sure to bring your checkbook to support both the conference altruistic project and the Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation!

Please note that there is a change for the Ways & Means chapter selling this year. Your Gulf IVP wants to give you a longer, more concise time for selling so ALL sisters will have time to shop. S/N and chapters will have the opportunity to sell items prior to the Opening Session on Wednesday, June 29, from 10 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.; and, on Thursday, June 30, from 4:30 PM until 7:00 p.m. and after the Evening of Entertainment from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. All drawings will take place on Thursday evening following the last selling period after The Evening of Entertainment. You MUST be present to win. The cost of a table is $10 for a-half table and $15 for a whole table. You MUST bring your own tablecloth in order to avoid an expensive table set-up. More information will be coming in the Conference Edition of this newsletter.

We need volunteers during the conference. If you're a singer, play a musical instrument, or want to be an assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, we've got a place for you.

I look forward to Cultivating Our Connections and Sharing our Successes with you at the 2016 Gulf Conference. We have so much planned for you: leadership sessions for chapter officers, personal and professional sessions, interesting speakers, world understanding programs, altruistic opportunities, great shopping, food, fun, & fellowship. You will also have the opportunity to experience some of the local culture and music at our Evening of Entertainment.